FMI – The Food Industry Association appointed four new directors to its board on Jan. 23 at the association’s annual Midwinter Executive Conference in Chula Vista, California.
The appointees are Jason Buechel of Amazon.com Inc.; John Foraker of Once Upon A Farm; Mark Griffin of B&R Stores Inc.; and Lauren Redman of Newport Avenue Market/Rudy’s Markets Inc.
“The food industry is witnessing a period of significant transformation and FMI is proud to welcome new Directors whose perspectives will help guide this change,” said FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin. “Grounded in a people-first commitment to providing safe, nourishing food, these leaders bring the insight, courage and customer focus that will enhance FMI’s strategic vision.”
Executive committee maintains leadership
The FMI Executive Committee continues with Craig Boyan of H-E-B serving as chairman, Sarasin as president and CEO, Brian George of Alex Lee Inc. as immediate past chairman, and Oscar Gonzalez of Northgate Gonzalez Market as vice chairman.
“The addition of new directors from the retail and supplier communities strengthens our ability to champion innovation while keeping people and communities at the heart of our work,” Boyan shared.
“With gratitude to our outgoing leaders and confidence in our incoming Directors, we are well positioned to strengthen collaboration, confront common challenges and embrace positive change for the betterment of the industry and the shoppers we serve.”
Fall 2025 appointees continue service
FMI also recognized a number of appointments made in fall 2025 that are continuing their service on the board.
Retailer and wholesaler appointments include David Hinojosa, COO of Vallarta Supermarkets; Brian Johnson, CEO of The Fresh Market Inc.; Atty McGrath, CEO of Aldi Inc.; John Persons, president and CEO of Northeast Grocery Inc.; and Dick Tracy, CEO of Dot Foods Inc.
Product supplier appointments include:
- Sunita Adams, general manager of Beech-Nut Nutrition;
- John Brase, president and COO of The J.M. Smucker Company;
- Jeffrey D. Hendrix, chief customer officer of Bimbo Bakeries USA;
- Wendy Hubbeling, head of commercial at Bumble Bee Foods LLC;
- Dan Magliocco, president of Danone North America;
- Vinit Patel, chief customer development officer of The Magnum Ice Cream Co. (Unilever Ice Cream);
- Michael Pierson, SVP and chief customer officer, snacks at The Campbell’s Co.;
- Brian Williams, SVP at Procter & Gamble; and
- Josh Yates, chief customer officer of General Mills Inc.
The appointments reflect FMI’s commitment to fostering a diverse and dynamic leadership team that can address the evolving needs of the food industry.
FMI – The Food Industry Association works with and on behalf of the entire industry to advance a safer, healthier and more efficient consumer food supply chain. The association is based in Arlington, Va.